News
Fighting fuel poverty in the Midlands
Organised by NEA, which works to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Heat Heroes Awards aim to recognise individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to help people living in fuel poverty in their local community.
Having raised £11,594 from two years of fundraising events, the FPS and its members asked The Heart of England Community Foundation to administer the funds with the following chosen to receive £2898.50 each.
“We heartily congratulate all the winners of the NEA Heat Heroes Awards 2018,” said Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive.
“We’re pleased that with the help of our Midlands-based members, we’ve been able to raise a significant sum of money. We’re also impressed by the extraordinary efforts made by these four winners and have no doubt they’ll put the money to incredibly good use.”
Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau – Natalie French, fuel poverty advisor intends to use the donation to continue to support people through the bureau’s telephone assessment and advice service; helping more people save money on their heating bills and become more energy efficient.
Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts – Russell Bosanko, financial capability officer helps people save energy; the money will be put towards staging a number of events and attending community events to provide energy advice and support to those most in need of assistance with fuel bills.
Wolverhampton Homes – Alvina Ali, energy and climate change officer will address fuel poverty with a series of initiatives, products and services to help tenants and residents to budget and control energy consumption. Home energy visits are an essential part of delivering a customer friendly solution as they give us the tools we need to help support and protect vulnerable residents living in fuel poverty whilst helping them to sustain their tenancies.
Marches Energy Agency – Davina Allen, project manager supports vulnerable clients by finding ways to cut energy bills, looking for good deals and reducing fuel debt – the money will provide additional resources for their independent phoneline service across Shropshire, Herefordshire and southern Staffordshire.
“We were delighted that FPS chose our Foundation to administer these funds,” said Tina Costello CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation.
“The Heat Heroes Award winners have done brilliantly to support those struggling in their communities and we are sure their fine work will continue!”
www.fpsonline.co.uk
www.nea.org.uk/award-schemes